Manchester United will not allow Joshua Sergi to leave the team unless they secure a new striker to replace him, with Jean-Philippe Mateta being the most closely watched name.
On 1 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Manchester United continues to act cautiously in the transfer market amid clear reports that Joshua Sergi wants to leave Old Trafford, with AS Roma as his destination.
However, sources close to the club say the "Red Devils" will not approve the Dutch striker's transfer until they have secured a new forward to replace him.
One seriously considered name is 28-year-old Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace, who is performing consistently in the Premier League and is seen as a striker with strength, experience, and reliability beyond current options.
Football Insider reports that Manchester United is seeking a striker who can add new dimensions to their attack in terms of strength, ball retention, and leadership, as the team still lacks a forward who can consistently make a difference.
Although Ruben Amorim already has offensive options, Benjamin Sesko—who was signed for a high fee last summer—has not met expectations, scoring only 2 goals in 20 appearances across all competitions and requiring more time to adapt to English football than anticipated.
Meanwhile, Sergi himself has had an uncertain season, receiving irregular playing time and not fitting the new coach’s tactical approach. Even after scoring against Wolverhampton, he was substituted off.
Reports say Sergi met privately with INEOS executives to clearly express his desire to transfer, prompting Roma to pursue negotiations seriously. Nevertheless, Manchester United is firm that any departure must be matched by an appropriate replacement, with Mateta among the top candidates currently under consideration.